Link

The Greatest Race: The Race of Life

The Magic of Believing

From on http://grandprixchampion.wordpress.com/2014/05/03/on-the-podium-3/ and http://inspiringvideo.wordpress.com/2014/05/03/standing-on-gods-podium/

“When (or perhaps if ever) you arrive in heaven, let faith, hope and love be the wings that carried you there.”
– as adapted from the inspiring words of Jonathan Edwards, former minister in New England, Massachusetts

“The Greatest Race: Living by (with) faith, hope and love is the highest podium any person can reach, God’s podium that anyone stand on.”

– craig

“Having pursued the goals, the dreams set before us and run the race with persistence and endurance, after giving it all. Then one day standing on the summit of life, breathing in the pure sweet oxygen of achievement, totally satisfied in running the greatest race, the race of life one that ANYONE can run and win.”

craig 11/11

fromThe Chequered Flag
Available at http://www.amazon.co.uk/THE-CHEQUERED-FLAG-GREATEST-ebook/dp/B0064R6D36

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including his various books on motor racing and Formula 1 ) are available at:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children –

MINE!

“Together, one mind, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, uplift and encourage to reach their fullest potentials.”

Sharing Some Spiritual Thoughts from Oprah Winfrey

Picture by my old friend John (whose “photographic talents” I definitely do not posess!)

web site http://jetpix.wordpress.com/

Article Title: Sharing Some Spiritual Thoughts from Oprah Winfrey

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (key words): Inspirational thoughts, Oprah Winfrey, spirit, spiritual writings, spiritual growth, inspiration, empowerment, words of encouragement, empowerment and upliftment

The submitter’s web sites are at:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lockhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html  and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981

(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:

This piece (as with all my writings) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If it helps others “out there” on the ‘amazing journey of life’, then we’re very happy.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow

                                              *

SHARING SOME SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS FROM OPRAH WINFREY.

Here are my notes (in point form) from Oprah’s final show (after twenty-five years on TV)

I hope they may of interest and perhaps even “enlightening” to you. Enjoy…

Find YOUR spark and illuminate the world.

SOME THOUGHTS ON CHANGE:

Each ONE of us has a platform – no matter how small and insignificant we may think it is. It’s wherever you ARE that is your platform, your stage… and that is where your power lies.

EVERYONE is called… to service of others.

YOU are responsible for your life.

* Accepting this gets (sets) you free

* You aren’t alone – never!

* Demonstrate your power

There is a common thread that runs throughout our lives.

– we may think we are unworthiness of happiness

We often block blessings, because we don’t feel we are good enough, beautiful enough??

You ARE worthy, because you were born… and are HERE!

All the many troubled people on my shows wanted something simple validation. It’s a common desire – everyone wants to be heard.

Validate people. Say to them: “I hear what you say – it matters to me!”

God’s Grace (infinite) is omnipresent.

I felt a voice bigger than myself “talking” to me. A still voice – know it and wait to hear it. I wait and listen to the voice “greater than yourself”.

God is love, God is life and speaks to you in whispers – subtle at first. Then if you don’t pay attention, the voice gets louder and louder (like a brick gets thrown at you). Patterns seen in my life.

What is whispering to you? What is God saying to YOU?

Be a safe harbour for SOMEONE ELSE! Embrace, liberate and especially love. What you have to say really matters. There are no co-incidences in life – only divine order, God’s Grace.

*

OPRAH’S FINAL WORDS (to her audience)

From you I learned what love is. YOU are the love of my life. I do it with a great sense of gratitude – the opportunity to have done this work… and embraced you all. Sharing a “yellow brick road of blessings”.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable…

and receives the impossible.”

– Corrie Ten Boom

“When you were born,
you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live your life so when you die,
the world cries and you rejoice.”
– Indian saying

Thanks, dearest mom, your spirit will live on…forever
craig

About the submitter:

In his life mission Craig hopes (and loves) to help, encourage, motivate, uplift and perhaps even inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials. His dream is seeing people finding, striving for the “seemingly impossible” and one day perhaps even realising their personal goals and dreams having great FUN along the journey. Craig has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally so cruel, yet always amazing world He loves ‘telling tales’, sharing true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and perhaps hopefully even inspired.

http://members.tripod.com/~lock77/  http://www.craiglockbooks.com and www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock    http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html   and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“A book is small enough to hold in your hand; but when you read it, the walls fall away and you’re in a room as big as the world.”

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.” – Chinese proverb

“A book, like a dog, is man’s best friend, but inside it’s too dark to read.” – Woody Allen (I “tink”…no, on reflection it was Groucho Marx)

“Together, one mind, one soul at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world…for the better”

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

May you all see God’s light on the path (road) up ahead

Magnificent East Coast sunrise by Ngaio Keelan in the “scenic and tranquil little haven” that is New Zealand (or ‘Godzone’, as it is often affectionately known)

Credit: www.ngatipics.com

Top 10 bits of wisdom from Oprah’s final show

1. “Everybody has a calling, and your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it…You have to make a living; I understand that. But you also have to know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world.”

2. Each one of you has your own platform…Maybe it’s 20 people, maybe it’s 30 people, 40 people, your family, your friends, your neighbours, your classmates, your classroom, your co-workers. Wherever you are, that is your platform, your stage, your circle of influence. That is your talk show, and that is where your power lies. In every way, in every day, you are showing people exactly who you are. You’re letting your life speak for you. And when you do that, you will receive in direct proportion to how you give in whatever platform you have…Start embracing the life that is calling you and use your life to serve the world.””

3. “Nobody but YOU is responsible for your life. It doesn’t matter what your mama did; it doesn’t matter what your daddy didn’t do. You are responsible for your life. … You are responsible for the energy that you create for yourself, and you’re responsible for the energy that you bring to others.“

4. “I would tell you that every single person you will ever meet shares that common desire. They want to know: ‘Do you see me? Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything to you?…Try it with your children, your husband, your wife, your boss, your friends. Validate them. ‘I see you. I hear you. And what you say matters to me.’”‘

5. “People often ask me, What is the secret of success of the show? How have we lasted 25 years? I non-jokingly say, ‘My team and Jesus.’ Because nothing but the hand of God has made this possible for me. … I know I’ve never been alone, and you haven’t either. And I know that that presence, that flow—some people call it grace—is working in my life at every single turn. And yours too, if you let it in. It’s closer than your breath, and it is yours for the asking.”

6. “I have felt the presence of God my whole life. Even when I didn’t have a name for it, I could feel the voice bigger than myself speaking to me, and all of us have that same voice. Be still and know it. You can acknowledge it or not. You can worship it or not. You can praise it, you can ignore it or you can know it. Know it. It’s always there speaking to you and waiting for you to hear it in every move, in every decision. I wait and I listen. I’m still—I wait and listen for the guidance that’s greater than my meager mind.”

7. “God is love and God is life, and your life is always speaking to you. First in whispers.”

8. “Whispers are always messages, and if you don’t hear the message, the message turns into a problem. And if you don’t handle the problem, the problem turns into a crisis. And if you don’t handle the crisis, disaster. Your life is speaking to you. What is it saying?”

9. “Connect. Embrace. Liberate. Love somebody. Just one person. And then spread that to two. And as many as you can. You’ll see the difference it makes.”

10. “GRATITUDE is the single greatest treasure I will take with me from this experience.”

Good luck, Oprah. And thanks for putting some positive ideas into the culture.

You can read the entire transcript from Oprah’s final show here.

Encourage one another and build each other up

 – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

From http://www.beliefnet.com

 

Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/faithmediaandculture/2011/05/top-10-bits-of-wisdom-from-oprahs-final-show.html#BHylAi9QaZbA2lRH.99

 

From Seeds of Hope To Endless Possibilities

Top 10 bits of wisdom from Oprah’s final show

1. “Everybody has a calling, and your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it…You have to make a living; I understand that. But you also have to know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world.”

2. Each one of you has your own platform…Maybe it’s 20 people, maybe it’s 30 people, 40 people, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your classmates, your classroom, your co-workers. Wherever you are, that is your platform, your stage, your circle of influence. That is your talk show, and that is where your power lies. In every way, in every day, you are showing people exactly who you are. You’re letting your life speak for you. And when you do that, you will receive…

View original post 498 more words

What’s the Difference between Religion and Spirituality?

Article Title: What’s the Difference between Religion and Spirituality?

Submitted by: Craig Lock

Category (key words): Religion, Spirit, Spirituality, “Spiritual Thoughts”, The Spiritual Path, “Inspiration”, “Inspirational Thoughts”, “Empowerment”

Web Sites:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at

https://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/craigs-list-of-blogs-updated-sept-2011/

and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/craigs-blogs-and-writings/

+ www.sharefaith.wordpress.com 

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:
This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

#

What’s the Difference between Religion and Spirituality?

from my blog www.godandformula1.wordpress.com and my book at http://www.amazon.com/God-Formula-One-Beyond-Zone/ (paperback)

(Also available from Amazon as an e-book at http://www.amazon.com/GOD-AND-FORMULA-ONE-F1-ebook/dp/B005Z6BFX0)

What is RELIGION?:

In his book ‘VISION OF POWER AND GLORY’, John Kehoe examines the difference between spirituality and religion: Like him, I believe that you do not have to have any one particular belief to nurture yourself spiritually. It is not adopting a religion, which is of critical importance; but rather by undergoing a spiritual awakening, which gives us comfort to get through the trials and tribulations of life. Why is that? Because all that religion is, is a set of beliefs. You adopt a set of principles or body of knowledge, eg. Christian, Jewish, Malay, Indian, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. Anything at all…and hasn’t religion and other rigid dogmas caused so many wars over the years – from the beginning of man. However, everyone is convinced there is the one true way – that theirs is the only religion to hold. And this often causes strife in family’s and countries. But is there only one true religion which is correct? There is no one true way, I believe. There are as many ways as there are people to find God, the spirit of the Universe itself…and all that is good in life.

I believe that all religions can comfort and nourish the soul – as long as you are a true believer in the ALMIGHTY, a Power Greater than Oneself…and have FAITH in “his” (why does God have to be a “Him”?) will (or God’s plan for you or whatever you may wish to call Infinite Spirit). Religion brings comfort and “security of belief”, a “certainty” to people. So religion in itself can be a very good thing. * SPIRITUALITY:

What is spirituality?

Spirituality goes much deeper than religion. At least I believe so. It is the innermost sense of you. Spirituality is far more than what is in your heart – it is all of you: your heart, your soul and your entire BEING (including your spirit).

What is the Spirit?: Awaken to the spirit deep within you. The universe is pouring out to us all the time. Follow the spirit that leads to your heart. It’s a matter of our EVOLUTION as human beings. It belongs to every single human being – this feeling of belonging to the human race. The feeling of spirituality is pouring out to us and beckoning us to make the most of our lives through the power of the ALMIGHTY. “Reborn Christians” often say they have this feeling. I truly believe there is more to life than myself. It is your own thoughts and beliefs which are all-important; but they are guided by ourselves and by the “Person/Higher Power” way up above us. I believe God, as the Ultimate Source gives us hints through thoughts entering our subconscious mind about what path to take, following our dreams (perhaps dreams far bigger than we could conceive on our own). Or people we meet along our path who can help us…and we in turn help them. I truly believe God, our Creator or whatever you understand Him to be (why does “it” have to be a “He”?) is the Source of everything, the Ultimate Source or ‘Ground of All Being’). And one day we will be able to see the fruits of our labours and our BELIEFS for ourselves. This is what keeps me going on my long and arduous quest as a writer. Just like Odysseus from Greek mythology. Reap, sow, then wait for the bumper harvest. It is sure to come. You too can plant that first seed to inner peace and serenity, joy, fullness, compassion for others, and especially love. Then see the fruits of the germination of your spirit, just like the rose bud blooms in spring. With true spirituality your life will be filled with tranquillity and happiness. Spirituality is taught to us as a duty and obligation (we have to go to church and pray, otherwise ‘the devil’ will wreak havoc upon our lives); but it is a path that brings us great joy and enlightenment (or as John Kehoe in his book ‘Vision of Power and Glory’ calls it “enlightened self interest”), if we simply relax and TRUST the process and enjoy the journey. I believe this new feeling of serenity and calm acceptance can make us all become better sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, wives/husbands, parents – but more importantly, better human beings (even a more astute businessman, who makes a lot of money- if that is what you really want). Because with true spirituality every aspect of your being becomes enhanced. This feeling of spirituality is experienced deep within yourself. In your heart, but more in your soul, you feel a closeness to nature and to your CREATOR. It’s as if you are having a personal chat with Him. Then you will see the fruits of your new spirituality in your own life. It’s just like a new spirit of awakening deep inside you and you feel released from the problems clouding your sky, the pressing burdens which are weighing you down.

*

A few short definitions to summarise and end off this section…

Religion is “living in order to die” – that is, preparing on earth for the next life.

Spirituality is “living in order to live life to the fullest”. It’s a feeling of being at peace with oneself.

“Peace: It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

from http://peacepursuit.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/peace-it-does-not-mean-to-be-in-a-place-where-there-is-no-noise-trouble-or-hard-work-it-means-to-be-in-the-midst-of-those-things-and-still-be-calm-in-your-heart/

I believe those two definitions encompass the true differences between religion and spirituality.

Remember to always strive for balance in your life: between your material wants and your desire for spirituality.

Getting a bit “heavy” in this section, Mr Philosopher. And a tiny bit of humour to end off this very serious subject that we have been looking at…

“Religion is for those who fear going to hell; whilst spirituality is for those who’ve already been there.” – anon

Elevate your thoughts to live at the highest level of humanity. Then shine YOUR own bright light on the world.

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”

“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He (??) is understandable.”

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity” .

from http://www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

“If I can throw a single ray of light across the darkened pathway of another; if I can aid some soul to clearer sight of life and duty, and thus bless my brother; if I can wipe from any human cheek a tear, I shall not have lived my life in vain while here.

If I can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty; if I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty; if I can teach one man that God and heaven are near, I shall not then have lived in vain while here.

If from my mind I banish doubt and fear, and keep my life attuned to love and kindness; if I can scatter light and hope and cheer, and help remove the curse of mental blindness; if I can make more joy, more hope, less pain, I shall not have lived and loved in vain.

If by life’s roadside I can plant a tree, beneath whose shade some wearied head may rest, though I may never share its beauty, I shall yet be truly blest though no one knows my name, nor drops a flower upon my grave, I shall not have lived in vain while here.”

Anonymous (no, I think it was St Francis of Assisi)

Today, don’t just try to make a living… try to make a difference

“If a man is called to be a street-sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well, that all the hosts of heaven will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.

– Martin Luther King, Jr

from http://www.drmartinlutherking.wordpress.com

“Success. It is open to each individual to choose the goal and go after it – growth and human essence known as character. Perhaps the ultimate purpose of life itself is the testing of the human spirit, to develop out of it something better, more nearly perfect. For after the sands and the dust of the human body has been buried, only the human spirit is left to go on. Each individual in his or her lifetime is entrusted with a fragment of that human essence, to be a spark of his own existence from birth to death. Rich? Has he or she enriched the life spirit, which was given to them? Successful? Has he or she made the spark glow more brightly.”

– Howard Whitman in Og Mandino’s ‘University of Success’.

from http://www.craigsquotes.wordpress.com

You may also have an interest in my blog  The Link (Overlap) Between Mind and Spirit 

About the submitter:

Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy

Craig’s mission is to encourage people to believe in themselves and try to help inspire people around the world to achieve their goals and dreams in life, whatever they may be.

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children –

MINE!

“A good book should take you from your everyday life to another place entirely.”

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at

https://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/craigs-list-of-blogs-updated-sept-2011/

and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/craigs-blogs-and-writings/

+ www.sharefaith.wordpress.com 

“Together, one mind, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”

“Happiness deep down within Serenity with each sunshine Success in every facet of your life Family beside you, friends close and caring Health inside you Love that never ends Special memories of all the yesterdays A bright today with much to be thankful for A path that leads to tomorrow Dreams to come true Appreciation of the wonderful things in life A quiet wish, a gentle wish, for peace and happiness.”

– “a humble talented anon lady” (but I know who)

“These powerful, deep and moving words from Neale Donald Walsh have great significance to me in my journey…and this is my reason for sharing…

“The moment of your greatest darkness may yet become your grandest gift. As you are gifted, so too will you gift others, giving to them the highest treasure: to BE THEMSELVES.

Let this be your task, let this be your greatest joy: to give back to themselves…even in their darkest hour.” – adapted (slightly) from Neale Donald Walsch (‘Conversations with God 3’)

and to end off (at last!) thanks so much for sharing these beautiful and inspiring words, Larry…

“I wish you well on a rainy day I wish you rainbows to brighten your day To feel your quiet moments with a special kind of warmth to remind you that happiness can happen when you least expect it.

I wish you rainbows to make you laugh and smile to show you the simple beauty of life and to give you the magic of dreams come true.

I wish you rainbows I wish you well.”

– Larry S. Chenges

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

from my blog www.godandformula1.wordpress.com and my book at http://www.amazon.com/God-Formula-One-Beyond-Zone/ (paperback)

(Also available from Amazon as an e-book at http://www.amazon.com/GOD-AND-FORMULA-ONE-F1-ebook/dp/B005Z6BFX0)

PPS

“If the Lord makes you successful, I’ll keep you humble.”

– a wife (I won’t say whose)

“Life each day as if it’s your last… and one day you’re sure to be right!”

As they carry me to my deathbed, I’ll be saying: “Lord, Can you just give me one more hour to finish off one last article. PLEASE!”

– craig (as inspired by the quote of singer, Barry Manilow)

I thought, ‘This is the way. You believe in a God, but not in a religious way. We human beings like to give him names, whether that is Jesus or whatever else. But my view is that God is ONE, whether it is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, almost anything, and that he is everywhere. He (or she) has (no gender), colour, no religion, no race, nothing. It’s incredible how close he is to you and to everybody. You just call him (her/It) and he’s there. That’s it, simple. And this is the reality we so often forget.”

This is one of my favourite thoughts and sums up my message, my “little” life…in trying in some small way to break down barriers between people.

“I had a good chance to meet a yogi who was so spiritual and happy all the time. I wondered how he managed his thinking and I learned a lot from him. I saw him and I thought, ‘This is the way. You believe in a God, but not in a religious way. We human beings like to give him names, whether that is Jesus or whatever else. But my view is that God is ONE, whether it is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, almost anything, and that he is everywhere. He (or she) has (no gender), colour, no religion, no race, nothing. It’s incredible how close he is to you and to everybody. You just call him (her/It) and he’s there. That’s it, simple.

And this is the reality we so often forget.”

– Balbir Singh, former physio-therapist and confidante to Michael Schumacher (and student of psychology …with my little additional few words in brackets)

from a great book by Clyde Brolin ‘Overdrive: Formula One in the Zone’

www.overdrivef1.com and and God and Formula 1 http://www.amazon.com/GOD-AND-FORMULA-ONE-F1-ebook/dp/B005Z6BFX0

“For me, God is a Creative Presence (far greater and deeper than my own consciousness). A Presence that I can experience on earth and allows me to be all that I am able to become.”

– craig

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including his various books on “the spiritual journey”) are available at:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children –

MINE!

 

THE SPIRITUAL PATH: “THE WAY” (Beyond the Zone)”

• “If we could all be in tune with each other… or with ourselves… that’s the main thing. Then there would be no crime and no problems. If we could just respect the person next to you, the chain reaction would solve everything. It’s not just about giving money to feed the poor in Africa.”

  – some wise words of Austrian Alexander Wurz, former F1 driver, test driver (McLaren) and winner of Le Mans 24 hours (in 2009)

  * ‘sympatico’, as my dear mother called it

  “All traditions of culture and faith have tales of people breaking out of their limited viewpoint, suddenly seeing the universe in crystal clarity, as if they’ve unlocked the secret of life itself.”

• “I see the human being is an incredible machine, totally undiscovered in many ways. Every one of us has a hidden tank of energy that comes out when it is needed.”- Alex Zanardi (former F1 and IndyCar driver, who lost both legs in a horrific accident in Germany in 2001)PS: Alex just won a gold medal in the recent Para-Olympics in London
  A new challenge!

  from www.overdrivef1.com

  Here are some personal thoughts that I’ve jotted down over the years regarding the “spiritual journey”.

  Though rather personal, I’ll share with you anyway.

  MY CREED:

  I don’t like “talking religion” and religious beliefs, but would rather share a bit about my experiences along the amazing journey that is life.

  What you believe is a massive part of who you are.

  Brazilian soccer star, Cafu: “I believe God is omnipresent. Every time we pray and ask something from Him, we always hope to be listened to. So faith can help in football too.”

  “God willing!”

  God works THROUGH “ordinary”* people.

  * what’s that, but everyone is extra-ordinary in some way!

  God has a plan for EVERY life. “He has given to each man or woman a definite purpose, which He has not given to another.”

  (or words to that effect)

  – from former Cardinal John Henry Newman

  In the valley of despair, I realised that God even had a plan for my life.

  Perhaps even bringing people together and building bridges of reconciliation. Dream on!

  “To whom much is given much shall be requested.”

  – Jesus

  In other words, what have you done with what I’ve put in your hand, your gifts?

  “Our talents are our gifts from God; but what we do with them are our gifts TO God.”

  I definitely feel God’s presence with me and that He (call Ultimate Source what you will: He/She/it/life/source and so on) is with me along the amazing journey that is life. Not each step of the way, mind you, as I sometimes feel ‘where is God now, when I really need Him).

  “God is a mystery, a Creative Presence, the mystery, the Ultimate Source of Life, the Fountain of all Goodness, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.” 

   I see God, Infinite Spirit as like a “Partner”, a “Co-Creator” with me each step of the journey of life. It’s a presence, continual in my consciousness. This is how I view life and live – a feeling that God wants me to be happy and the best for my ‘little’ life.

  At times this feeling is stronger than at other moments. Of course, at times, I have doubts about the outcomes of certain activities, but they don’t last long. Where is all this writing over the past two decades leading? Anywhere! However, in short, I just do and trust. Living in (by) simple faith.

  Lord, give me more patience (“but I want it right NOW!”) and increase my faith.

  I couldn’t have managed this journey on my own.

  In a “nutshell”, the simple message I’m sharing in this e-book (though you know it in your heart already) is:

  Be KIND and helpful to others. Don’t think of getting things back in return; but the universe DOES reward you (the principle of ‘karma’ works)

  Be compassionate to all creatures as well as the environment

  No matter who you are, you need to respect everyone else, wherever they come from. If you do that, you will earn respect, In a word (or two), CARE and have a BIG heart

  Love God, Love Yourself, Love Everyone else

  (Love God and love your neighbour as yourself.)

  And finally and most importantly,

  BE GRATEFUL for what you DO have.

  Ie. Live with an attitude of gratitude.

  Everyone on the planet has some Everest to climb. For me NOW, it’s writing and publishing my various books, but it may the worthiest pursuit of bring up a child to the best of one’s ability… and then putting everything into that noble endeavour.

  Just take that first step…then keep walking.

  craig

  16th Dec 2011

  “The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” (and not a flat tyre and broken fan-belt!)

  ***********

  “True winning as a human ‘bean’ is accessing the magic within.

  The Zone is one indication that we are all linked to the common Ultimate Source, God, Life, Love.

  Top sports-people don’t have exclusive access to the Zone and like the finest music, the bliss can be shared.

  We should be grateful that down here, we can experience life ‘out of the Zone’ as well. This may just be the real heaven, the sweetest spot of all.”

  -fine writing by Clyde Brolin writing in his fascinating book OVERDRIVE; FORMULA ONE IN THE ZONE

  www.overdrivef1.com

  from THE SPIRITUAL PATH: “THE WAY” (Beyond the Zone)”

  Already available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C52C7OI

  The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” including his many books on his great passions (motor racing, writing and the spiritual journey) are available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html http://creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-books http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

  Craig is presently “working on” a new book ‘Beyond the Zone’, a “true labour of love” sitting in the hot New Zealand sun and writing about God and Formula One. Pure paradise/sheer bliss!

  Beyond the Zone is already available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0K1DJK !!!

  All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children –

  MINE!

PPS

Hot off the press…

“THE SPIRITUAL PATH: “THE WAY” (Beyond the Zone)”

is also already available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C52C7OI  thought’s it’s still being written !!!